Warren Wallace was fired, and Howard Pryce received a formal reprimand for failing to supervise his subordinates.
Naturally, the Donovan family's bed-and-breakfast was spared from demolition, as were the neighboring properties. When Mrs. Potts heard the news, she was grinning from ear to ear.
With the situation resolved, Xavier told Spencer to head back to J City first while he drove the Donovans home.
Dylan's parents and Mrs. Potts rode in Xavier's car, while Dylan took another.
On the drive back, Mrs. Potts couldn't stop chattering.
"Mrs. Donovan, Dylan's girlfriend is no good. It's better they broke up—she has a wicked heart!"
"She even tried to trick me! I knew all along Mr. Flemmings wasn't that kind of person."
"Thank goodness for Mr. Flemmings this time, or we'd all be losing our homes. By the way, Mr. Flemmings, why did Mr. Dalton call you 'Young Master'?"
Sitting in the passenger seat, Norah turned around to explain. "It's just a respectful title, kind of like calling someone a young boss!"
Mrs. Potts laughed. "You're teasing me, young lady. I'm not stupid!"
Norah smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Then why did you ask?"
Mrs. Potts gave an awkward chuckle, starting to grasp the weight of Xavier's status. Her tone grew even friendlier. "You're pretty amazing yourself, young lady!"
Norah maintained her sweet smile. "No need for compliments! Just don't hold a grudge against me for picking your orchids."
Mrs. Potts laughed, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Back at the Donovans' home, everyone sat down. The family looked deeply guilty in front of Xavier. Just as Leila had said herself, she was considered half a member of the Donovan family, meaning her actions reflected on them.
They felt terrible about the trouble and misunderstandings she had caused him.
Xavier waved it off. "Even when Leila tried to frame me with those photos, you never doubted me. You don't need to apologize."
She wanted to show him that she had witnessed the violence of his world, and it didn't scare her away. She didn't care at all.
Xavier stared at her, his dark eyes unreadable. A moment later, he stood up and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" Norah asked immediately.
"To the yard for a smoke," he replied casually, his posture as aloof and rugged as ever.
*
Dinner was a lavish spread. Wild mushroom chicken, cured pork with bamboo shoots, braised ribs, braised fish... the table was practically overflowing, looking like a holiday feast.
Dylan had bought some locally brewed plum wine. It smelled sweet and rich but packed a heavy punch. He poured a massive glass for Xavier first.
Dylan raised his own glass.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates....
I love it, I love it! Thank you for the updates....
Dear author Lucy, may we please have updates. Thank you....
There's a song currently playing via YouTube and TikToc by LowDii "Touch Me Softly" that makes me think of Norah and Xavier (Gonzalez). Please, I'm looking forward to updates. Thank you for your writing....
May we please have updates. Thank you....
As the plot thicken. Adrian is done for and he can't try to control Norah, so he'd probably tattle to Janice who's gone for two weeks. Thank you soooo much for the updates....
These updates were too funny. Thank you so much for the updates....
I forgot to add Amy to the group of pregnant women,since she was the first. Emily and Sylvia better be careful since pregnancy is in the air....
Wow! This is great, both Estelle and Magdalen are pregnant at the same time and I hope that Xavier is Norah neighbor. Thank you for the updates....
Author Lucy you're a blessing. Thank you so my for the updates. I hope that Norah's neighbor is Xavier she gets her memory back....